Patients will once again be told to get a taxi or get a lift to the hospital ahead of another two-day walkout by ambulance staff. The North West Ambulance Service has warned of 'severely restricted' resources and are urging people to only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
Members of Unite and Unison will strike on Monday (January 23) with colleagues from GMB taking industrial action on Tuesday (January 24) as the row over pay and conditions continues. Private providers and the military will be drafted in again to help meet demand.
The trust has warned that although ambulances 'will be available', they will be 'limited' and will be required for patients in most desperate need. Life-threatening situations include a cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, fits that aren’t stopping, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or allergic reactions and serious head injuries.
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Any other patients requiring hospital treatment on the day of strikes will be asked to find alternative transport, such as getting a taxi or a lift from family and friends. 999 and 111 call centres will also have fewer staff, so patients are asked not to repeatedly call for updates on where their ambulance is, and to only ring if their condition has worsened, or to cancel the ambulance.
The North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust has also warned that patients using the Patient Transport Service (PTS) on both days will likely be affected. Transport will only remain available for renal, oncology and palliative care appointments.
Ged Blezard, Director of Operations, said, “We have been really well supported by the public on the previous two days affected by strikes. However, we understand that anxiety these days can affect people concerned about their health. While we hope for a swift resolution to the dispute, this is an issue between the trade unions and the Government in relation to pay, and we respect members’ right to strike.”
“Be assured that if you really need us, please continue to call 999, and we will come as quickly as possible. As before, we are maximising our own resources, using private providers and military support where appropriate and working closely with our trade unions to provide cover for the most serious emergencies. We are also working with our healthcare partners to maintain patient safety during these periods of industrial action.
“But, ultimately, to get to the people who need us this time, we need people to use us wisely. Only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency, and if you need urgent care – first use the symptom checker at NHS 111 online, which will direct you to the most appropriate support. Again, you should call on friends or relatives for transport if necessary.”
A series of fresh strikes by ambulance workers has also been announced by Unite in an escalation of the bitter dispute over pay and staffing. In the North West, walkouts are set to take place on February 6, February 22, March 6 and March 20.
For non-urgent health concerns, people should use 111.nhs.uk, their GP or their local pharmacy for help. More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.
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